Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is granted as his diagnosed conditions are related to his in-service stressors, which occurred during combat while stationed in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to a failure of the VLJ to suggest obtaining VA psychiatric records, and for additional development regarding the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of a current diagnosis consistent with DSM-IV stressor criteria. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was also denied as there is no evidence showing a link between the claimed in-service stressors and the diagnosed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a hepatic disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his military service, including a head injury and psychiatric disorder. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, which is service-connected, contributed to his death due to a motorcycle and train collision. The claim for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at 70 percent since March 25, 2009. However, the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a gastrointestinal disorder due to lack of clear and unmistakable evidence that these conditions pre-existed his period of active duty. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that neither his service-connected conditions nor any other condition singly or in combination caused his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was causally related to a psychiatric disorder possibly linked to service, including his treatment for coccidioidomycosis during service. The claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, that is etiologically related to his period of service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder with Asperger's syndrome causes total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating effective August 20, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran's testimony regarding in-service noise exposure and the factual presumption of service connection due to combat status have been considered, along with the VA examiner's opinion that the hearing loss is not related to service. Given the balance of evidence, the claim is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder, and dysthymic disorder. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for his depression, which he claims is related to his service-connected pes planus. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion on the relationship between the Veteran's depression and his pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from private providers and VA treatment records, verifying an in-service stressor related to PTSD, and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including dysthymic disorder, MDD, and anxiety disorder NOS, had their onset in service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is due to military sexual trauma (MST) incurred in service. As such, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The issues of service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities, hypertension, high cholesterol, and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus are also being addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining personnel records and verifying claimed stressors. A VA examination is also required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.